SAN Miguel has always said that through its dynastic run, the team has learned how to become a family.
And there's no one else who embodies that blood bond than Paul and assistant coach Boycie Zamar.
That's why for the father-and-son tandem, they really treasure this five-peat achievement of the Beermen.
"First championship namin ito together, so very memorable talaga ito para sa akin. It made the trade worth it," said the younger Zamar.
Paul was traded to San Miguel prior to the season after a sensational showing last year for Blackwater.
That reunited him with coach Boycie as they found themselves on the same team since joining forces in Cebuana Lhuillier in the PBA D-League.
The Zamars agreed that as historic as San Miguel's feat was, it's also a destiny waiting to happen, especially for Paul who had to wait for six long years since being taken by Ginebra in the fourth round of the 2012 PBA Draft before getting his big break.
"Destiny lang talaga yun," said the 31-year-old Paul who spent the past two years in Thailand before joining the Elite in the second conference last season.
"Ang dami masyadong nangyari. Di ko naman talaga inexpect na makakapag-PBA pa ko, more so mag-champion. Imagine, ang daming players sa PBA na ang tagal tagal na sa liga pero wala pang championship. Kaya yung nararamdaman ko, unexplainable but grateful talaga."
Boycie added: "Timing lang lahat ng ito. Hindi naman ito mangyayari kung hindi dahil sa mga nasa taas, lalo na kila boss Ramon S. Ang, coach Alfrancis Chua, boss Robert Non, boss Jules Laurente, coach Gee Abanilla, at boss Danby Henares. Credit din sa battalion of brilliant coaches and extraordinary players na meron kami dito sa San Miguel."
"Syempre yung five-peat, special naman talaga. Extra special lang para sa akin kasi nakasama ko si Paul."
Little as Paul's role on the court may have been for San Miguel in its title conquest, the steady sniper said that he won't trade it for anything else as working with such a talented group of guys is already an unbelievable experience in itself.
And winning a championship at that? That's just the cherry on top of the sundae.
"Kahit di ako nakakapaglaro, just wearing the San Miguel jersey, nakaka-proud na," Paul said.
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